[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post unveils stamp featuring traditional Rangoli pattern to celebrate Diwali
This is one of several annual stamp issues that mark events of importance to Canada’s culturally diverse population.

SCARBOROUGH, ON, Oct. 15, 2025 /CNW/ – In recognition of the country’s cultural diversity, Canada Post is proud to issue a stamp marking Diwali, a major festival observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and other communities in Canada and around the world.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a multiple-day festival that highlights the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It usually falls in October or November, coinciding with the arrival of the new moon.

While communities observe Diwali on different days and in different ways, the festivities often include fireworks, gift exchanges between family and friends, and the giving of food to those in need.

During these days of celebration, small clay oil lamps called diyas are often lit in rows in homes and temples or set adrift on rivers. Bright garlands, known as toranas, are often draped across the entrances and facades of homes and temples. Intricate floor patterns called Rangoli are works of art meant to be swept or washed away. Often made with grain, flower petals, coloured sand or rice, they adorn living rooms, courtyards and entranceways during Diwali.

Welcoming Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity
All these auspicious decorations are intended to welcome guests and invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, to bestow good fortune on those who enter.

Canada Post has issued Diwali stamps since 2017. The 2025 issue, designed by Ritu Kanal of Underline Studio, features an image of a Rangoli pattern, and includes the word “Diwali” in Hindi and English.

Cancelled in Scarborough, Ontario, home to a large community of Indian Canadians, the stamp was printed by Lowe-Martin and is available as a booklet of six and an Official First Day Cover [above].

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post to Celebrate Graphic Novelists with the Second in a Two-Part Series

MONTRÉAL – Canada Post invites you to the unveiling of the second in a two-part series of stamps featuring the works of talented and influential Canadian graphic novelists Kate Beaton (Mabou, N.S.), Jimmy Beaulieu (Île-d’Orléans, Que.), Guy Delisle (Québec), Julie Doucet (Montréal), Bryan Lee O’Malley (London, Ont.) and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Prince Rupert, B.C.).

As part of the celebration, event emcee and director of Québec BD Thomas-Louis Côté will facilitate a panel discussion with Jimmy Beaulieu, Kate Beaton and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas.

What: Graphic novelists stamp unveiling event

Who: Graphic novelists Kate Beaton, Jimmy Beaulieu and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas; Simon Brault, member of Canada Post’s Stamp Advisory Committee; Olivier Gougeon, General Manager, Salon du livre de Montréal; Thomas-Louis Côté, Director of Québec BD

When: Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm; the stamps are expected to be unveiled before 4 pm

Where: Salon du livre de Montréal, Palais des congrès (5th floor, Room 510AB), 1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montréal (H2Y 0A3)

The information on last year’s Graphic Novelists stamps is here.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New Stamps Celebrate the Upcoming Winter Holiday Season
A timeless Christmas stamp and a classic storybook issue bring the spirit of the holidays to life

FOX CREEK, Alta., and HOPE, B.C. – Canada Post released two new stamp issues November 6 to mark the winter holiday season.

New holiday stamps tell a nostalgic winter tale of friendship, while the newest Christmas stamp features a whimsical illustration of the Nativity scene.

The stamps are part of an annual tradition from Canada Post, which has released new stamps celebrating Christmas and the holidays every year since 1964. These popular stamps are issued in advance of the holiday season so that they can be used on Christmas and holiday mail.

Set beneath the bright shining star of Bethlehem with the Magi approaching in the distance, this year’s Christmas stamp depicts a simple and nostalgic take on the Nativity scene. The subtle use of colour and shading brings the characters to the forefront, including Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus and the angel announcing Jesus’s birth.

The Christmas stamp was illustrated by Bex Morley and printed by Colour Innovations. The issue includes a booklet of 12 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover. The stamp was cancelled in Hope, British Columbia, in reference to the message of hope found in the Nativity story.

The new holiday stamp issue celebrates the holiday spirit through the storybook tale of a sly fox, a playful rabbit and two productive squirrels busily decorating their forest home for the festive season.

Designed by Kristine Do and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey, the issue includes a booklet of 12 Permanent domestic rate stamps, a sheetlet of 6 U.S. rate stamps, a sheetlet of 6 international rate stamps, a souvenir sheet of three stamps and a souvenir sheet Official First Day Cover. The cancel location of Fox Creek, Alberta, was chosen to acknowledge the fox in this year’s stamp story.

As one of Canada’s storytellers, Canada Post is proud to showcase meaningful topics for Canadians, like the community spirit of Christmas and the holidays, through its national stamp program.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
De nouveaux timbres célèbrent l’arrivée prochaine des fêtes de fin d’année
Un timbre de Noël intemporel et un conte classique donnent vie à l’esprit des Fêtes.

FOX CREEK (Alberta) et HOPE (Colombie-Britannique) – Postes Canada a lancé deux émissions de timbres pour marquer l’arrivée prochaine des Fêtes.

Les nouveaux timbres des Fêtes illustrent un conte hivernal nostalgique sur l’amitié et le plus récent timbre de Noël représente une scène chaleureuse de la Nativité.

Les timbres font partie d’une tradition de Postes Canada qui émet de nouveaux timbres chaque année depuis 1964 pour célébrer Noël et les Fêtes. Ces timbres populaires sont émis suffisamment en avance pour être utilisés sur le courrier envoyé pour la période des Fêtes et Noël.

Cette année, le timbre de Noël illustre une scène de la Nativité empreinte de simplicité et de nostalgie, illuminée par l’étoile de Bethléem et montrant au loin les Mages qui s’approchent. L’utilisation subtile de couleurs et d’ombres fait ressortir les personnages, y compris Marie et Joseph avec l’Enfant Jésus et l’ange annonçant sa naissance.

La vignette de Noël est illustrée par Bex Morley et imprimée par Colour Innovations. L’émission comprend un carnet de 12 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur et un pli Premier Jour officiel. Le timbre a été oblitéré à Hope en Colombie-Britannique en référence au message d’espoir qu’inspire l’histoire de la Nativité.

La nouvelle émission de timbres des Fêtes illustre l’esprit de la saison à travers un conte mettant en scène un renard rusé, une lapine enjouée et deux écureuils travaillants qui décorent leur forêt avec entrain pour les Fêtes.

Conçue par Kristine Do et illustrée par Alexandra Finkeldey, cette émission comprend un carnet de 12 timbres Permanents au tarif du régime intérieur, un feuillet de 6 timbres au tarif des envois à destination des États-Unis, un feuillet de 6 timbres au tarif du régime international, un bloc-feuillet de 3 timbres et un pli Premier Jour officiel du bloc-feuillet. Fox Creek, en Alberta, a été choisie comme lieu d’oblitération pour faire référence au renard (foxen anglais).

Postes Canada raconte l’histoire du pays et est fière de présenter dans le cadre de son programme des timbres-poste des sujets importants pour la population canadienne, comme l’esprit communautaire qu’inspirent Noël et le temps des Fêtes.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post Unveils Hanukkah Stamp Celebrating Jewish Heritage And Resilience
Design features historic Montréal hanukkiyah, honouring the Festival of Lights

Issue date: 13 November

OTTAWA – Canada Post is marking Hanukkah this year with a new stamp that honours Jewish heritage, resilience and the enduring symbolism of the Festival of Lights.

The new stamp features a brass hanukkiyah adorned with decorative lions alongside elements related to the story of Hanukkah. Crafted in Western Europe in the early 1900s, the artifact is now part of the Aron Museum’s collection at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Montréal, which houses more than two dozen Hanukkah menorahs.

Celebrated over eight days and nights, Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil during the reconsecration of Judaism’s holiest site, the Temple in Jerusalem, in 165 BCE. According to Jewish tradition, the Temple’s menorah burned for eight days despite there being only enough oil for one.

This year, Jewish people around the world will celebrate Hanukkah from sundown on December 14 to sundown on December 22. Central to the celebration is the lighting of a hanukkiyah, a candelabrum with eight candles or oil holders and a central candle, called a shamash, to light the others.

A symbol of the Jewish people
Lions figure prominently in the design of the brass hanukkiyah featured on this year’s Hanukkah stamp. Long seen as symbols of strength and courage in many cultures, lions also represent the Tribe of Judah and, by extension, the Jewish people. The central lion figures on the hanukkiyah echo the throne of King Solomon, which was said to be flanked by lion statues.

Other design elements reflect the Hanukkah story. The crown symbolizes the Torah and the return of Jewish kingship after Jewish fighters reclaimed Jerusalem from foreign rule. The menorah below the crown recalls the menorah that burned continuously in the Temple. The Star of David holds the shamash.

The hanukkiyah was donated to the Aron Museum at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Montréal in 1960.

Canada Post is proud to showcase this historic hanukkiyah, celebrating the faith and cultural legacy at the heart of Hanukkah. This stamp is part of a series of annual issues commemorating holidays cherished by Canadians of diverse faiths, including Christmas, Diwali and Eid.

About the stamp
The stamp was photographed by Matthew Liteplo, designed by Subplot Design Inc., and printed by Lowe-Martin. The issue includes a booklet of six Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover cancelled in Montréal.

Available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Postes Canada dévoile un timbre célébrant le patrimoine et la résilience du peuple juif
Le motif célébrant la fête des Lumières présente une hanoukkia historique de Montréal

OTTAWA – Cette année, Postes Canada souligne Hanoukka avec un nouveau timbre qui rend hommage au patrimoine et à la résilience du peuple juif, ainsi qu’au symbolisme intemporel de la fête des Lumières.

Le nouveau timbre illustre une hanoukkia en laiton ornée de lions et d’éléments liés à l’histoire de cette fête juive. Fabriqué en Europe de l’Ouest au début des années 1900, l’artéfact fait maintenant partie de la collection du musée Aron du Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom à Montréal, qui abrite plus d’une vingtaine de ménorahs.

Célébrée pendant huit jours et nuits, Hanoukka commémore le miracle de l’huile lors de la réinauguration du Temple de Jérusalem, lieu le plus sacré du judaïsme, en 165 av. J.-C. Selon la tradition juive, la ménorah du Temple a brûlé pendant huit jours, même s’il ne restait de l’huile que pour un seul jour.

Cette année, le peuple juif, partout dans le monde, célébrera Hanoukka du 14 décembre à la tombée de la nuit jusqu’au 22 décembre à la tombée de la nuit. Au cœur des célébrations, on allume une hanoukkia, un chandelier de huit chandelles ou contenants d’huile en rangée et un chamach, ou « serviteur », utilisé pour allumer les huit autres chandelles.

Un symbole du peuple juif
Les lions occupent une place importante dans la conception de la hanoukkia en laiton qui figure sur le timbre de cette année consacré à Hanoukka. Depuis longtemps considérés comme un emblème de force et de courage dans de nombreuses cultures, les lions représentent également la tribu de Juda et, par extension, le peuple juif. Les figures centrales sur la hanoukkia rappellent le trône du roi Salomon, qui aurait été flanqué de statues de lions.

D’autres éléments de conception évoquent l’histoire de Hanoukka. La couronne symbolise la Torah et le retour de la royauté juive après que les combattants juifs ont libéré Jérusalem du joug étranger. La ménorah sous la couronne rappelle celle qui a brûlé sans interruption dans le Temple. Une étoile de David accueille le chamach.

La hanoukkia illustrée sur le timbre a été donnée en 1960 au musée Aron du Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom à Montréal.

Postes Canada est fière de présenter cette hanoukkia historique, qui célèbre la foi et l’héritage culturel au cœur de Hanoukka. Ce timbre fait partie de notre série d’émissions annuelles consacrées aux fêtes préférées des Canadiennes et Canadiens de diverses confessions, y compris Noël, Diwali et l’Aïd.

À propos du timbre
La photo ornant le timbre a été prise par Matthew Liteplo, la conception est signée Subplot Design Inc. et l’impression a été effectuée par Lowe-Martin. L’émission comprend un carnet de six timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur et un pli Premier Jour officiel oblitéré à Montréal.

Le timbre est en vente sur le site postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post honours courage and sacrifice of Sikh soldiers with Remembrance Day stamp
Private Singh stamp pays tribute to forgotten heroes who served in the Canadian military, paving the road to inclusion

KITCHENER, ON  – At the annual Sikh Remembrance Day Ceremony, held in Kitchener, Ontario, on Sunday, Canada Post unveiled its Remembrance Day stamp recognizing the long history of Sikh soldiers serving with the Canadian military.

More than a quarter million Sikh soldiers answered the call of duty for Britain and its allies during both world wars. In Canada, discrimination prevented many Sikhs from enlisting. Only 10 broke the barrier in the First World War – most fighting with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Europe – including eight who joined before conscription.

As followers of Sikhism, which promotes equality regardless of race, class, gender or religion, the majority of these soldiers had the surname Singh (“lion” in Punjabi). Nearly a century later, research brought to light the forgotten stories of these and other Sikh soldiers in Canada, whose courage and resilience inspired future generations and helped build a more inclusive country.

Heart of a lion: Private Buckam Singh
At 22 years old, Private Buckam Singh was the youngest Canadian Sikh soldier to enlist. He was wounded and returned to action after recovering in hospital – only to be injured again. He was later diagnosed with tuberculosis and died from the disease in 1919. Private Singh’s resting place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener is the only known military grave in Canada of a Sikh soldier from the world wars. The Remembrance Day ceremony held at the site is one of the largest annual gatherings of Sikh soldiers and veterans in North America.

About the stamp
Designed by Larry Burke and Anna Stredulinsky from Burke & Burke and illustrated by Parm Singh, the Private Singh stamp features an illustration of a Canadian Sikh soldier paying his respects in remembrance of those who have served. The background is an illustration of Private Buckam Singh’s grave at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener, the stamp’s cancel location. The Poppy Design is a registered trademark of the Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command, and is used under licence.
The stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.